Artworld's Political Art Struggles Against Far-Right Symbolism and Censorship Debates
Since Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017, far-right movements have gained momentum worldwide, as seen in Brexit and various European elections. The art community's reaction has included politically charged works from artists like Tania Bruguera, who intends to run for the Cuban presidency in 2019, and Theaster Gates, known for his redevelopment projects in Chicago. In August 2017, Documenta faced backlash and canceled Franco 'Bifo' Berardi's performance 'Auschwitz on the Beach,' substituting it with 'Shame on Us' on August 24. Later, in November 2017, a Central Saint Martins student showcased a swastika banner, which was taken down after a tutor's disapproval. Dean Paul Haywood explained the student's intention was to critique corporate influence. ArtReview’s March 2018 issue discusses the effectiveness of political art against neo-Nazism, emphasizing institutional hesitance.
Key facts
- Donald Trump's presidency since January 2017 influenced global cultural discourse
- Brexit referendum in 2016 signaled nationalist shifts in the UK
- Marine Le Pen won 34% in France's 2017 presidential election
- Austria's Sebastian Kurz governs with the Freedom Party of Austria, founded by ex-Nazis
- Poland's November 2017 independence celebrations included white supremacist marches
- Documenta canceled Franco 'Bifo' Berardi's performance in August 2017
- Central Saint Martins removed a student's swastika banner in November 2017
- Francis Bacon used a Nazi swastika in his 1965 Crucifixion triptych
Entities
Artists
- Donald Trump
- Tania Bruguera
- Theaster Gates
- Franco 'Bifo' Berardi
- Adam Szymczyk
- Boris Rhein
- Theodor Adorno
- Francis Bacon
- David Sylvester
- Paul Haywood
Institutions
- Artists at Risk
- Documenta
- Central Saint Martins
- The Jewish Chronicle
- ArtReview
- Freedom Party of Austria
Locations
- United States
- UK
- France
- Austria
- Poland
- Cuba
- Chicago
- Hesse
- London